Independence Day For The Internet! New U.N. Resolution Expands E-Freedoms

Congratulations!  If you are reading this right now, you are exercising one of the most recently-expanded universal human rights!  As of July 1st, by order of the United Nations, access to the internet (which had been considered a basic human right since 2011) has been supported even more thoroughly by the organization, who condemned any “measures to intentionally prevent or disrupt access to or dissemination of information online.”

In grand internet tradition, a cat meme seemed the best way to celebrate.
(Image courtesy funnyjunk.com.)

The edict was a huge blow to nations who would attempt to "SHUT.  DOWN.  EVERYTHING!", including the internet, in times of political, social, or economic strife.  The U.N.'s recognizance of this liberty to freely announce one's situations, hopes, fears, and lunch plans on the internet, particularly social media, is a massive help to those who might otherwise not have their voices heard.

According to Popular Science, this resolution also includes expanded security protocols to protect freedom of internet expression, accountability measures to be taken against those who would impinge on these freshly-declared freedoms, stronger attempts to provide internet access to the disabled, and even updated efforts to provide internet service in locations where it may currently be unavailable.

"Herding hard all day!  But first, a selfie!
#YaHerd?"
(Image courtesy foodtank.com.)

The official resolution builds on the U.N.'s established Article 19 of the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights, which extols, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

It further elucidates a 2012 ruling that announced, "the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online.”

Protesting in person is still the best,
but the U.N.'s covering for all the rest!
(Image courtesy newslaundry.com.)

Although the usual oppressive suspects (seriously, Russia/Cuba/China?) tried to quash the proceedings, some 70 nations banded together to ensure that status updates, political declarations, cat pictures, fail videos, and relentless selfies (with or without critical flag overlays) could flow freely through the intertubes for all.

A full account of the resolution, including oral arguments, is available thanks to Article19.org.

Now, don't let us distract you...go surf the mighty waves of internet freedom, from e-sea to shining e-sea!

Go ye forth and conquer!
Don't forget to tag us in the pics!
(Image courtesy memesvault.com.)